Nationwide –Rodney Taylor, a Black barber from Georgia, is now dealing with deportation to Liberia after dwelling within the U.S. most of his life. His immigration standing grew to become a difficulty as a consequence of a decades-old legal cost, though he was pardoned for it years in the past.
Taylor got here to the U.S. on a medical visa when he was 2 years outdated to bear surgical procedures for a congenital situation affecting his fingers and ft. The U.S. grew to become his residence, however his immigration standing was by no means absolutely resolved.
Through the years, Taylor constructed a profitable profession as a barber, recognized for making purchasers look good whereas chatting with them in his chair. He additionally used his barbershop to teach Black males about lung most cancers dangers and screenings, making a trusted house for well being consciousness.
Nonetheless, a previous felony cost for housebreaking at age 16, which was later pardoned by the Georgia Parole Board, led to his detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Regardless of his pardon, ICE labeled him as an aggravated felon, and he’s now dealing with deportation.
“They picked me up and mentioned I used to be an aggravated felon. They handled me like I used to be a legal,” Taylor advised 11Alive. “They advised me computerized deportation. I can’t see a choose; I can’t get a listening to.”
Immigration lawyer Charles Kuck defined that whereas U.S. immigration legal guidelines have remained unchanged for many years, enforcement practices have turn out to be extra aggressive. Taylor’s case highlights how even people pardoned by the state can nonetheless face deportation years later.
Taylor was arrested by ICE in January, simply days after proposing to his fiancée. He has spent the previous three months in detention and not using a courtroom date, enduring overcrowded circumstances the place detainees sleep on the ground. Regardless of his scenario, Taylor continues to serve others by providing haircuts to fellow detainees, serving to them preserve a way of normalcy.
Taylor’s fiancée and supporters proceed to advocate for his launch, however with no courtroom date set, his future stays unsure.
“I pray that my immigration standing is permitted,” Taylor mentioned. “That’s the one factor that may get me out of this case.”
